BCS Rankings 2011: Michigan State and Teams That Picked Up Key Blowout Wins

At this point in the college football season, not only do teams need to win, but win big. This is the only way they can prove to voters that they deserve a better BCS ranking, especially when going up against inferior squads. Here are three teams that accomplished that feat in Week 12.

No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide

Could we be looking at an Alabama vs. LSU rematch in the National Championship Game? It sure looks that way after Oklahoma State was stunned by Iowa State on Friday. The Crimson Tide held serve by crushing Georgia Southern, although the 21 points against are a bit concerning.

Trent Richardson led the way again, totaling 179 yards and three touchdowns to help his Heisman bid. Alabama can help its cause with a road win against Auburn next weekend and will then need to hope nobody leapfrogs them during championship week.

Projected BCS Rank: No. 2

No. 6 Arkansas Razorbacks

Upset was the word of the day on Saturday and Arkansas did well to avoid joining the list. They only led by four points until late in the second quarter before pulling away against Ole Miss. Tyler Wilson threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns.

The Razorbacks have been the forgotten team within the top 10. They are kind of just lurking around waiting for their chance to shine and that could come next week against LSU. Arkansas will be heavy underdogs, but it has enough talent to shock the college football world.

Projected BCS Rank: No. 4

No. 15 Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State clinched the Big Ten Legends Division and a spot in the conference title game with a win over lowly Indiana. Kirk Cousins continues to fly under the radar, passing for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

The Spartans will face either Penn State or Wisconsin for the conference's automatic bid. Even though Michigan State beat the Badgers earlier in the year, they match up better against the Nittany Lions because it would be less pressure on Michigan State's defense.

Projected BCS Rank: No. 13